Wow. I never thought the day would come. Nearly 180 school days later and what will be my 90th blog, my job is done! It has definitely been a journey to say the least.
When told at the beginning of the school year that we would have to create a blog that we would have to keep up throughout the year I was a bit nervous. "That sounds like a lot of work", "what am I going to write about", were two thoughts that kept entering my mind. No doubt was it quite a bit of work and it was definitely tough to come up with 90 things to blog about!
Over the course of the past nine months I have written and shared my feelings on a variety of topics. Teen jobs, swimming, school, AP exams, food, shoes, clothes, books, vacations, sports, politics, and so many more! I cannot believe it has finally come to an end. All those times stressing about what to blog about are finally over! I must admit this is much more a happy thing than sad.
Keeping up this blog has absolutely had its benefits. It has taught me a lot about procrastination and time management. I would consider myself to be an extremely dedicated student who manages time quite well. Until it came to blogging that is. It was so terribly hard to sit in a computer lab on a Friday afternoon and just type your heart away. I had to force myself to do it in order to make deadlines.
Or the nights before 15 blogs were due and I was sitting at the computer whipping 5 out just hours before the deadline. That definitely took its toll and I don't ever think I will do that again.
Honestly, I don't think I am going to miss blogging one bit. It was always one other thing I had to do and keep track of. I am thankful for the lessons it has taught me and for having the opportunity to say I kept up a blog for a year. With that my friends, farewell to blogging!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
My Furry Little Friend
A very common get-to-know-you-type-of-question is something along the lines of "Are you a cat person or a dog person?" I would consider myself to be more of a cat person, but by no means do I dislike dogs. I think I feel this way because I have been around cats more and have a pet cat, who is my favorite animal in the whole world!
Cinnamon has been part of our family since the summer of 2002. I am proud to share that he is a mutt we found at the local animal shelter. Cinnamon was a very sick kitten when we first got him. He had to go on lots of trips to the vet before he got better, but since then I could count on one hand how many times he has been sick.
Cinnamon is primarily a white cat with cinnamon colored spots, hence his name Cinnamon. Cinnamon's most defining characteristic is definitely his tail. Cinnamon's tail is cinnamon colored and only 6 inches long. Yes, this sounds very weird and it is weird! It runs in the family because his sister at the animal shelter had 6 toes! I am so used to it that a normal looking tail on a cat looks very strange to me.
Cinnamon is one of the friendliest cats I have ever met. This is what I love about him the most. He is always there to greet you, whether you are just getting home from school or if its a stranger at the front door. He will rub up against your leg and meow until you give him attention, its so cute!
Cinnamon is also the hungriest cat I have ever met. With most cats you can feed them every couple of days because they space out their eating accordingly. Not with this cat! We feed him three times a day everyday because he literally eats all of his food the second he gets it. He has been known to get hairballs because he eats his food so fast that he doesn't even digest it!
Even with all of this quirks Cinnamon is a fantastic pet spending most of this days lounging in the sun, sleeping and meowing for food. I don't know what I would do without this furry little friend!
Cinnamon has been part of our family since the summer of 2002. I am proud to share that he is a mutt we found at the local animal shelter. Cinnamon was a very sick kitten when we first got him. He had to go on lots of trips to the vet before he got better, but since then I could count on one hand how many times he has been sick.
Cinnamon is primarily a white cat with cinnamon colored spots, hence his name Cinnamon. Cinnamon's most defining characteristic is definitely his tail. Cinnamon's tail is cinnamon colored and only 6 inches long. Yes, this sounds very weird and it is weird! It runs in the family because his sister at the animal shelter had 6 toes! I am so used to it that a normal looking tail on a cat looks very strange to me.
Cinnamon is one of the friendliest cats I have ever met. This is what I love about him the most. He is always there to greet you, whether you are just getting home from school or if its a stranger at the front door. He will rub up against your leg and meow until you give him attention, its so cute!
Cinnamon is also the hungriest cat I have ever met. With most cats you can feed them every couple of days because they space out their eating accordingly. Not with this cat! We feed him three times a day everyday because he literally eats all of his food the second he gets it. He has been known to get hairballs because he eats his food so fast that he doesn't even digest it!
Even with all of this quirks Cinnamon is a fantastic pet spending most of this days lounging in the sun, sleeping and meowing for food. I don't know what I would do without this furry little friend!
Lifeguard Thoughts
Being a lifeguard is an extreme responsibility and there are not many other jobs out there that come with such great loads of accountability. Lifeguards are there to save lives, well in my case to do everything I can to prevent an episode in which I have to save a life. I became a lifeguard in the summer of 2010, the day I turned 15 (the minimum age to pass the test). Ever since then I have partaken in watching over hundreds of swimmers every week.
When I passed my lifeguarding test, consisting of written exams and scenarios, I felt very accomplished. It takes a large amount of specific training in order to become certified. It takes a minimum of three, twelve hour days of learning and incorporating our skills in the pool. There aren't many positions that a 15-year-old can become certified to do and I achieved one of the few.
On a less serious note there are many things about lifeguarding that the common everyday person (one that is not a lifeguard) wouldn't know anything about. There are other things that are probably quite obvious. One of them being the boredom factor. Yes! Us lifeguards are some of the most bored people around! You can only walk around the pool, check chemicals, count heads, and put away kickboards so many times.
Yes! We probably space off much more than we should. Like I said before being a lifeguard takes a lot of responsibility and we take it very seriously. At times it is nearly impossible to stop the oncoming yawn. You should try sitting in a chair, in a very hot room, doing nothing but watching a few people play in the water, it makes you very sleepy!
I never would have thought I could think up so many stories or analyze something in my mind so much until I became a lifeguard. With endless shifts of just sitting and watching you can basically think up anything you can possibly imagine. Don't even ask about what goes through my mind, its the most random of things.
Here are few other things you may not know about the person carrying a silly looking tube and wearing red:
--Yes! We are probably checking the clock every 5 minutes counting down the minutes until our shift is over.
--Yes! We are probably trying to listen to your conversations, it gives us something to do! (Im pretty much kidding with this one).
--Yes! We probably want you to leave. As soon as everyone leaves we can sit in the comfy chair in the air conditioned office!
--Yes! We probably would love it if you struck up a conversation with us if it looks like we are crazy bored.
That pretty much wraps up my lifeguard thoughts!
When I passed my lifeguarding test, consisting of written exams and scenarios, I felt very accomplished. It takes a large amount of specific training in order to become certified. It takes a minimum of three, twelve hour days of learning and incorporating our skills in the pool. There aren't many positions that a 15-year-old can become certified to do and I achieved one of the few.
On a less serious note there are many things about lifeguarding that the common everyday person (one that is not a lifeguard) wouldn't know anything about. There are other things that are probably quite obvious. One of them being the boredom factor. Yes! Us lifeguards are some of the most bored people around! You can only walk around the pool, check chemicals, count heads, and put away kickboards so many times.
Yes! We probably space off much more than we should. Like I said before being a lifeguard takes a lot of responsibility and we take it very seriously. At times it is nearly impossible to stop the oncoming yawn. You should try sitting in a chair, in a very hot room, doing nothing but watching a few people play in the water, it makes you very sleepy!
I never would have thought I could think up so many stories or analyze something in my mind so much until I became a lifeguard. With endless shifts of just sitting and watching you can basically think up anything you can possibly imagine. Don't even ask about what goes through my mind, its the most random of things.
Here are few other things you may not know about the person carrying a silly looking tube and wearing red:
--Yes! We are probably checking the clock every 5 minutes counting down the minutes until our shift is over.
--Yes! We are probably trying to listen to your conversations, it gives us something to do! (Im pretty much kidding with this one).
--Yes! We probably want you to leave. As soon as everyone leaves we can sit in the comfy chair in the air conditioned office!
--Yes! We probably would love it if you struck up a conversation with us if it looks like we are crazy bored.
That pretty much wraps up my lifeguard thoughts!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Being the Oldest Child
There are many good and bad things to being the oldest child. Some people think it would be neat to be the oldest while others like being the middle or youngest child. Now you can look at the pros and cons of being the oldest child.
One advantage of being oldest is the chance to do things first. Some of the events are becoming a teenager, going to high school, driving and leaving the house all before a younger sibling(s). Another positive idea to being the oldest child is the ability to do more things and have more opportunities. An older sibling can leave the house more, do more activities at school, and there might be the chance of being invited or going to more parties or events. Another plus is sometimes younger siblings look up to older siblings. This might not sound good but it is exciting when it happens. It feels good to be able to help someone, who asks for help. The last advantage is that one’s parents sometimes trust an older sibling more than they would their youngest child.
While being the oldest has many advantages it also has plenty of disadvantages as well. A big negative of being the oldest child is getting in trouble more often. Parents expect more out of an older child so they notice more when they do something incorrectly quicker than they would a younger sibling. Another downside to being the oldest is that there is a greater chance you will be stuck babysitting. This is because it is an easy way for the parents to get a sitter and they (parents) don’t have to pay their own child. Another disadvantage of being the oldest is that many people pay more attention to the younger kids of the family, because they might be cuter or funnier. The last con of being the oldest child is parents expect the older sibling to be more responsible. That is another reason why the older sibling gets in trouble more often. Parents know you’re older so they think you should have better behavior, which is hard sometimes.
Now as one can see, it is hard to decide if being older is good or bad. There are many things to know before you make your decision.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
What's In a School Lunch?
As soon as the bell rings hundreds of students all rush to the same place. Where is that place? The cafeteria. The cafeteria is a place to catch up with friends, quickly finish up last night's homework, but most importantly it is a place to relieve your hunger and eat some lunch.
Sometimes I wonder if whatever is being served in the cafeteria should really constitute as a meal. Even though breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, lunch is what gets students through the rest of the school day and through the afternoon. Typically I do not think that the school provides a sufficient healthy meal for students.
There are many instances in which I go to the cafeteria for lunch absolutely starving and there is not much of anything that would truly fill me up. Being an athlete I burn a lot of calories and like to watch what I eat. One Subway sandwich and a carton of milk is not going to get me through afternoon practice. Buy something extra you say? In my opinion you shouldn't have to pay extra just to fill yourself up. We are very fortunate at Kennedy that we have so many lunch options. Most of these options though aren't a full meal.
I'm not going to lie every now and then a slice of pizza, cheeseburger, or chicken sandwich sounds good and I'm willing to pay extra for it. But most of the time there aren't many side options such as fruit or vegetables with these choices. So then we get back to the situation in which one slice of pizza isn't going to fill me up.
I've gotten to the point in which almost everyday I just head straight to the main line. Why you might ask? This is nearly the only line in which I can almost be guaranteed a vegetable and a fruit. I believe that teenagers can't get enough of their fruits and vegetables and they should be more readily available. When I am able to eat a fruit and vegetable I actually feel like I am eating a real meal.
So what's in a school lunch anymore? I don't even know if I can answer that question. Just today the main dish was nachos, is that considered a meal now? Not in my opinion. Or what about the popular Italian Dunkers, cheese bread dipped in marinara sauce, how is that considered a meal? I just wish that something could be done and there could be more healthy and complete meals available at school for lunch.
Sometimes I wonder if whatever is being served in the cafeteria should really constitute as a meal. Even though breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, lunch is what gets students through the rest of the school day and through the afternoon. Typically I do not think that the school provides a sufficient healthy meal for students.
There are many instances in which I go to the cafeteria for lunch absolutely starving and there is not much of anything that would truly fill me up. Being an athlete I burn a lot of calories and like to watch what I eat. One Subway sandwich and a carton of milk is not going to get me through afternoon practice. Buy something extra you say? In my opinion you shouldn't have to pay extra just to fill yourself up. We are very fortunate at Kennedy that we have so many lunch options. Most of these options though aren't a full meal.
I'm not going to lie every now and then a slice of pizza, cheeseburger, or chicken sandwich sounds good and I'm willing to pay extra for it. But most of the time there aren't many side options such as fruit or vegetables with these choices. So then we get back to the situation in which one slice of pizza isn't going to fill me up.
I've gotten to the point in which almost everyday I just head straight to the main line. Why you might ask? This is nearly the only line in which I can almost be guaranteed a vegetable and a fruit. I believe that teenagers can't get enough of their fruits and vegetables and they should be more readily available. When I am able to eat a fruit and vegetable I actually feel like I am eating a real meal.
So what's in a school lunch anymore? I don't even know if I can answer that question. Just today the main dish was nachos, is that considered a meal now? Not in my opinion. Or what about the popular Italian Dunkers, cheese bread dipped in marinara sauce, how is that considered a meal? I just wish that something could be done and there could be more healthy and complete meals available at school for lunch.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Swimming: 2012 Olympic Preview
For many athletes watching their sport on television is no big deal. Okay so you watched football or baseball on television last night? Big deal. Tell me the last time you saw swimming on TV! It happens about once every four years during the Olympics which is why the 2012 Olympics are highly anticipated by swimmers. Its exciting and a lot of fun to be able to watch the best of the best compete at your sport. I highly recommend tuning into the London Games come July there is so much to watch! So here I am going to highlight a few main competitors who will most definitely be making a splash in the pool....
--Michael Phelps: I might as well get started with the name everyone knows. Last Olympics Phelps won a record of eight gold medals which caught the world's attention. This year might not be so exciting, Phelps is not going to be quite ambitious for his last Olympics, as he is just focusing on a few main events. Most definitely the butterfly, sprint IM, and mid distance freestyle.
--Ryan Lochte: My predictions are that Lochte is going to be one of the top few starts of the 2012 Games. He has shown multiple times throughout the offseason that he is swimming faster than ever and is ready to take on his good friend and teammate Michael Phelps. Lochte will be specializing in the IM, backstroke, and freestyle.
--Nathan Adrian: Right at the prime of his career Adrian will no doubt dominate the sprint freestyle events while representing the USA. Adrian who wasn't a major part of the Beijing team will contribute a great deal to the 2012 squad. Make sure to check out the 50 and 100 meter freestyle races for a chance to watch Adrian do some damage!
--Dara Torres: For anyone who followed the 2008 Olympics you probably have heard of this wonder woman. Torres will be in her mid-forties come the summer of 2012. She is aiming to make the Olympic team in the sprint 50 meter freestyle. She will be competing against girls half her age! Definitely someone to cheer for.
--Janet Evans: Evans is also another comeback queen. Evans made her mark in the swimming world in the 90s primarily and is shooting for a shot on this year's Olympic time. Evans, like Torres is now a mother on top of training for the Olympics. Watch for Evans in the distance freestyle events such as the 400, 800, or 1500 meter freestyles.
--Rebecca Soni: I would consider Soni to be one of my favorite of the American swimmers. Soni is a one stroke wonder-queen of the breaststroke! She will be looking to sweep both of the breaststroke events (100 and 200) along with being part of the American women's medley relay while swimming the breaststroke leg.
--Natalie Coughlin: Coughlin is a very experienced swimmer at the highest level, as this will be her third Olympics. Known for her backstroke, she is definitely one to keep an eye on. Coughlin will most likely be part of the medley relay and 100 backstroke. There is a possibility of her competing in the sprint IM or sprint freestyle relays as well!
Well that wraps it up folks! This covers just a few of the many American swimming stars who will be competing in London this summer!
--Michael Phelps: I might as well get started with the name everyone knows. Last Olympics Phelps won a record of eight gold medals which caught the world's attention. This year might not be so exciting, Phelps is not going to be quite ambitious for his last Olympics, as he is just focusing on a few main events. Most definitely the butterfly, sprint IM, and mid distance freestyle.
--Ryan Lochte: My predictions are that Lochte is going to be one of the top few starts of the 2012 Games. He has shown multiple times throughout the offseason that he is swimming faster than ever and is ready to take on his good friend and teammate Michael Phelps. Lochte will be specializing in the IM, backstroke, and freestyle.
--Nathan Adrian: Right at the prime of his career Adrian will no doubt dominate the sprint freestyle events while representing the USA. Adrian who wasn't a major part of the Beijing team will contribute a great deal to the 2012 squad. Make sure to check out the 50 and 100 meter freestyle races for a chance to watch Adrian do some damage!
--Dara Torres: For anyone who followed the 2008 Olympics you probably have heard of this wonder woman. Torres will be in her mid-forties come the summer of 2012. She is aiming to make the Olympic team in the sprint 50 meter freestyle. She will be competing against girls half her age! Definitely someone to cheer for.
--Janet Evans: Evans is also another comeback queen. Evans made her mark in the swimming world in the 90s primarily and is shooting for a shot on this year's Olympic time. Evans, like Torres is now a mother on top of training for the Olympics. Watch for Evans in the distance freestyle events such as the 400, 800, or 1500 meter freestyles.
--Rebecca Soni: I would consider Soni to be one of my favorite of the American swimmers. Soni is a one stroke wonder-queen of the breaststroke! She will be looking to sweep both of the breaststroke events (100 and 200) along with being part of the American women's medley relay while swimming the breaststroke leg.
--Natalie Coughlin: Coughlin is a very experienced swimmer at the highest level, as this will be her third Olympics. Known for her backstroke, she is definitely one to keep an eye on. Coughlin will most likely be part of the medley relay and 100 backstroke. There is a possibility of her competing in the sprint IM or sprint freestyle relays as well!
Well that wraps it up folks! This covers just a few of the many American swimming stars who will be competing in London this summer!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A Time to Cherish
The end of May. The end of the school year. At the end of May and at the end of the school year comes a time to cherish. This time is called graduation. Graduation is a time to be excited, a time to be proud, a time to be sad, and a time to reflect.
As a junior I have a few thoughts and words of advice that I would give the seniors who are graduating in only two days. Enjoy your time! As much as you are probably anxious to get the heck out of school and out of town I think it is important to enjoy every last minute of it. Most seniors will probably complain about how long the graduation ceremony is or how they don't want to go to rehearsal. This could very well be the last time you see some of your classmates and teachers! My advice is to slow down and take it all in.
Don't regret anything! What's done is done and there is nothing you can do about it. Don't let a mistake from high school interfere with anything in your future. Also don't regret anything you didn't do! The summer after your senior year is the time to be impulsive, be a kid, have the time of your life!
Remember to say your thank-yous! One of my biggest pet peeves is when people don't take the initiative to say thank-you. Seniors you have so many people to thank, teachers, parents, friends, grandparents, pastors, coaches, basically anyone who has helped you get to this point of your life. Don't get caught up in all of the celebration without thanking the people around you.
Lastly, come back and visit!! All of us underclassmen want to hear from you and learn what the college experience is like. Basically don't forget your friends back at home and where you came from. I bet college is super exciting but its important to keep close ties with family and friends at home.
As a junior in high school I obviously look at graduation very differently than a senior would. I am the one going to graduation parties rather than throwing them. I am sending cards rather than opening them. I get to go to school a whole week longer. I look forward to a year from now when my role changes. As much as I want to walk across that stage I definitely want to take in and enjoy every moment of my senior year!
As a junior I have a few thoughts and words of advice that I would give the seniors who are graduating in only two days. Enjoy your time! As much as you are probably anxious to get the heck out of school and out of town I think it is important to enjoy every last minute of it. Most seniors will probably complain about how long the graduation ceremony is or how they don't want to go to rehearsal. This could very well be the last time you see some of your classmates and teachers! My advice is to slow down and take it all in.
Don't regret anything! What's done is done and there is nothing you can do about it. Don't let a mistake from high school interfere with anything in your future. Also don't regret anything you didn't do! The summer after your senior year is the time to be impulsive, be a kid, have the time of your life!
Remember to say your thank-yous! One of my biggest pet peeves is when people don't take the initiative to say thank-you. Seniors you have so many people to thank, teachers, parents, friends, grandparents, pastors, coaches, basically anyone who has helped you get to this point of your life. Don't get caught up in all of the celebration without thanking the people around you.
Lastly, come back and visit!! All of us underclassmen want to hear from you and learn what the college experience is like. Basically don't forget your friends back at home and where you came from. I bet college is super exciting but its important to keep close ties with family and friends at home.
As a junior in high school I obviously look at graduation very differently than a senior would. I am the one going to graduation parties rather than throwing them. I am sending cards rather than opening them. I get to go to school a whole week longer. I look forward to a year from now when my role changes. As much as I want to walk across that stage I definitely want to take in and enjoy every moment of my senior year!
The Last of Lovely Lane
Many students at Kennedy High School take advantage of a very unique and generous opportunity throughout the school year. Lovely Lane Church is located just across the street from our school. Not only do they sell parking passes to many of Kennedy's students but they provide a free lunch once a week to anyone willing to make the journey. Today was the last lunch of the school year so I am taking the time to reflect.
This past year I have become an official Lovely Lane attendee. I went occasionally during my freshman and sophomore years but I never made a routine out of it. Every Tuesday I wake up and go to school looking forward to a Lovely Land lunch. Some long and tough weeks it would be the highlight of my week! Not only is the food delicious but everyone there is very friendly! The lunches are served by some of the nicest volunteers, pastors and senior citizens.
The food served at Lovely Lane is absolutely 100 times better than anything I would ever be able to get at school. There are lots of unique dishes and I like being able to try new types of soups and casseroles. Some of my favorite meals served are the spaghetti, chicken noodle soup, and tacos. The main dish is usually served with a vegetable, fruit, side dish, and dessert! I actually feel like I am eating a well-balanced meal.
Lovely Lane is so generous to us Kennedy Students I don't know how we will ever pay them back. All they ask for is a free will donation to cover the cost of the food. I know that I don my best to donate a few dollars as much as I can. I wish that more students wouldn't just take advantage of a free lunch and ignore the donation basket. The lunches won't be able to continue if they aren't funded!
Something else I love about Lovely Lane is the weekly table centerpiece question. Each week there is a question in the middle of the table used to spark random conversation and it helps getting to know each other better, even if you sit with your best friends every week! Questions vary from serious to silly and cover a variety of topics. The prayer is also a nice addition to the lunch atmosphere. Every week a student volunteer leads the group in prayer which I think is really nice for a group of high school students to partake in.
I am definitely going to miss Lovely Lane lunch, the food, the people, and the atmosphere. I cannot thank you enough Lovely Laners!!
This past year I have become an official Lovely Lane attendee. I went occasionally during my freshman and sophomore years but I never made a routine out of it. Every Tuesday I wake up and go to school looking forward to a Lovely Land lunch. Some long and tough weeks it would be the highlight of my week! Not only is the food delicious but everyone there is very friendly! The lunches are served by some of the nicest volunteers, pastors and senior citizens.
The food served at Lovely Lane is absolutely 100 times better than anything I would ever be able to get at school. There are lots of unique dishes and I like being able to try new types of soups and casseroles. Some of my favorite meals served are the spaghetti, chicken noodle soup, and tacos. The main dish is usually served with a vegetable, fruit, side dish, and dessert! I actually feel like I am eating a well-balanced meal.
Lovely Lane is so generous to us Kennedy Students I don't know how we will ever pay them back. All they ask for is a free will donation to cover the cost of the food. I know that I don my best to donate a few dollars as much as I can. I wish that more students wouldn't just take advantage of a free lunch and ignore the donation basket. The lunches won't be able to continue if they aren't funded!
Something else I love about Lovely Lane is the weekly table centerpiece question. Each week there is a question in the middle of the table used to spark random conversation and it helps getting to know each other better, even if you sit with your best friends every week! Questions vary from serious to silly and cover a variety of topics. The prayer is also a nice addition to the lunch atmosphere. Every week a student volunteer leads the group in prayer which I think is really nice for a group of high school students to partake in.
I am definitely going to miss Lovely Lane lunch, the food, the people, and the atmosphere. I cannot thank you enough Lovely Laners!!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Review: AP Psychology Research Symposium
The AP Psychology Research Symposium is an annual event held at Kennedy High School. At this event, all of the students that took AP Psych during the school year, present their end of the year research projects. Everyone comes all dressed up with their tri-fold poster boards for an evening of scholarly fun. This year's event took place today and I am here to share my thoughts.
Overall I believe that everything ran really smoothly throughout the course of the night. I didn't notice any no shows and very few people were scurrying in at the last minute. Everyone arrived promptly, set up their poster boards and anticipated their family and friends to come. In my opinion the attire that all the students wore was very appropriate. Everyone looked nice, not too formal yet not too casual. There were hardly any awkward outfits standing out like a sore thumb.
The food and drink was definitely a big hit. Who doesn't like free soda, chips, cookies, brownies, and fruit?? It worked really well having every participant bring a little something. I'm sure some brought more than their share and I'm sure some didn't bring anything, it all worked out fine! There was plenty of food for both the students and the guests. Which brings up my next point....
The food and drink should be for the guests first!!! I know how hard it is to stand at your table for 90 minutes but I really think students should have waited till the symposium was over to raid the snack table. It was basically a free for all which is my only complaint. I don't think students stood by their posters enough, rather they just walked around and talked to their friends. I think that's fine for a little bit but not for the whole evening. Then when the place starts to clear out I think its fine to pick up a drink and a few goodies.
Overall I think it was a very successful evening!! Everyone looked nice and all of the posters and projects were very well done. I could tell that the majority of students put quite a bit of time and effort into their project. Nice work 2011-2012 AP Psychology students!
Overall I believe that everything ran really smoothly throughout the course of the night. I didn't notice any no shows and very few people were scurrying in at the last minute. Everyone arrived promptly, set up their poster boards and anticipated their family and friends to come. In my opinion the attire that all the students wore was very appropriate. Everyone looked nice, not too formal yet not too casual. There were hardly any awkward outfits standing out like a sore thumb.
The food and drink was definitely a big hit. Who doesn't like free soda, chips, cookies, brownies, and fruit?? It worked really well having every participant bring a little something. I'm sure some brought more than their share and I'm sure some didn't bring anything, it all worked out fine! There was plenty of food for both the students and the guests. Which brings up my next point....
The food and drink should be for the guests first!!! I know how hard it is to stand at your table for 90 minutes but I really think students should have waited till the symposium was over to raid the snack table. It was basically a free for all which is my only complaint. I don't think students stood by their posters enough, rather they just walked around and talked to their friends. I think that's fine for a little bit but not for the whole evening. Then when the place starts to clear out I think its fine to pick up a drink and a few goodies.
Overall I think it was a very successful evening!! Everyone looked nice and all of the posters and projects were very well done. I could tell that the majority of students put quite a bit of time and effort into their project. Nice work 2011-2012 AP Psychology students!
The Reality of an Online Class
There are many advantages and disadvantages of being enrolled in an online class. Currently I am taking an online government one class which will allow me not to have to take it during my senior year. The benefits from taking this class are great but it also comes with quite a few drawbacks as well.
One of the many advantages of taking an online class is that you can do it on your own time. This is great because if there is a night that I have too much other homework from other classes I can pass on my online work for a night. Because you are doing everything on your own time you can work as slow or as fast as you would like. This means you can choose when you want to take your tests based on when you are ready for them.
I cannot speak for everyone but my online class is pretty easy. This is another advantage, there is not much to it besides reading and studying. I would prefer to be able to sit in a classroom and participate in activities and discussions, but having what I would consider an easy class is definitely nice.
Along with the benefits of an online class come quite a few disadvantages. Because you are doing all of the work on your own time, you must, absolutely must have good time management!! There is a lot of work to get through and not a whole lot of time. There are many nights that I am done with my other homework and I just want to go to bed or watch t.v., but I have to force myself to get a couple sections done.
Another disadvantage is how you have to take tests. You have to come into school and schedule a time to take a test in front of a teacher to verify that you are the one taking the test. This can be a bit of a pain at times. The reality of an online class is that you are teaching the information to yourself. There aren't opportunities to ask questions or work with other people on things that you don't understand. You have to be responsible and make sure you are staying on top of things.
The biggest drawback of all to taking an online class, as far as I know, is the busywork that it involves. I am one that likes to get my work done in a timely manner. I have to feel like there is a purpose for whatever were doing. All online government consists of is reading and filling out worksheets, filling out worksheets and reading some more. It's so redundant! I don't feel like I make any progress at all even if I work on it for over an hour.
There are definitely pros and cons to taking an online class. Most importantly it teaches you time management and responsibility. Right now its a bit overwhelming but I'm sure it will be more than worth it when it's completed!
One of the many advantages of taking an online class is that you can do it on your own time. This is great because if there is a night that I have too much other homework from other classes I can pass on my online work for a night. Because you are doing everything on your own time you can work as slow or as fast as you would like. This means you can choose when you want to take your tests based on when you are ready for them.
I cannot speak for everyone but my online class is pretty easy. This is another advantage, there is not much to it besides reading and studying. I would prefer to be able to sit in a classroom and participate in activities and discussions, but having what I would consider an easy class is definitely nice.
Along with the benefits of an online class come quite a few disadvantages. Because you are doing all of the work on your own time, you must, absolutely must have good time management!! There is a lot of work to get through and not a whole lot of time. There are many nights that I am done with my other homework and I just want to go to bed or watch t.v., but I have to force myself to get a couple sections done.
Another disadvantage is how you have to take tests. You have to come into school and schedule a time to take a test in front of a teacher to verify that you are the one taking the test. This can be a bit of a pain at times. The reality of an online class is that you are teaching the information to yourself. There aren't opportunities to ask questions or work with other people on things that you don't understand. You have to be responsible and make sure you are staying on top of things.
The biggest drawback of all to taking an online class, as far as I know, is the busywork that it involves. I am one that likes to get my work done in a timely manner. I have to feel like there is a purpose for whatever were doing. All online government consists of is reading and filling out worksheets, filling out worksheets and reading some more. It's so redundant! I don't feel like I make any progress at all even if I work on it for over an hour.
There are definitely pros and cons to taking an online class. Most importantly it teaches you time management and responsibility. Right now its a bit overwhelming but I'm sure it will be more than worth it when it's completed!
That's What Makes you Dad
I am the luckiest girl in the world to have him as my dad. He makes it so there is nothing more that I could want. There are so many things that makes him who he is and when all of those are put together, only one thing can become of it; my dad.
It is impossible to know where to start when having the goal to come up with everything that makes dad the person I know and love. The way his eyes tear up almost instantly when laughing is something I have never seen in anyone else. How he crosses his arms and stands shoulder width apart when he is on his feet is definitely something I have grown to recognize and even do myself. The bit of gray hair near his temples never seems to spread anywhere else as if it would make him lose his youthfulness with a head full of gray.
Sports have always been a common ground between my dad and I. He was the one who taught me how to catch and throw a ball, grip a baseball bat, swing a golf club, kick a soccer ball, and swim a length of the pool. I used to think he was the absolute best at every sport; now I know better (sorry dad)! He wouldn’t miss a softball game or swim meet for anything; his support is what has gotten me where I am today. From playing catch in the backyard before a big game or helping me come up with off-season workouts, his knowledge of sports undoubtedly sparked my interest as well.
Not only does dad play sports but watching sports is a passion for him. Being a diehard fan of the Denver Broncos creates some unneeded stress in his life but it doesn’t seem to bother him. I will never forget how he spent what had to be a couple hundred dollars in the Broncos gift shop at Mile High Stadium, comparable to a seven-year-old boy in a candy shop! My loyalty to the NFL is no doubt due to the fact that every fall Sunday consists of football and chips and dip, a tradition I will have no issue continuing.
Dad would not be considered perfect without all of his quirks and oddities. I will never forget how when we were little he would cut up our peanut butter toast into puzzle pieces and before we could eat it, we had to put the puzzle back together. He also has quite the singing voice, which he likes to make clear as he rides the stationary bike in the basement. Wearing his glasses on the tip of his nose is another dad trademark that I know will never change. Letting a Bronco loss affect his whole night in a negative way is something I can just laugh at and realize he really hasn’t grown up all of the way.
It would be a complete lie if I said this is everything that makes my dad who I know and love. A distinct appearance, love for sports, and quirks that make dad unique, are only the start of what makes me the luckiest girl in the world.
Book Review: "Water for Elephants"
Gruen, Sarah. Water for Elephants. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill: Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 2006. (331 pages)
I really enjoyed reading Water for Elephants. It is by far the most enjoyable book I have read in a long time; it is possibly my favorite book that I have read all school year. This book was packed with surprising drama that made me never want to put it down. It took less than two chapters to realize that I was officially hooked. Water for Elephants is emotional, quick paced, and riveting.
There were so many things about this book that I loved. I have discovered that I really like reading books from a male perspective because I have not read even close to as many books with a male narrator, and it is a totally different experience. Jacob Jankowski is the narrator in Water for Elephants, in both the past and the present.
I liked how Sarah Gruen set up this book, going back and forth between Jacob’s days in the circus and his present days in the nursing home. The flashback format made this book a bit challenging especially toward the beginning. I would just become accustomed to all of the characters who were part of the circus such as Marlena, August, Uncle Al, Earl, Grady, and Walter. Then the chapter would end and the story would revert to the present. This was only an issue for a few chapters and then I got to know the characters very well.
There were also some vocabulary terms in Water for Elephants that I have never encountered before I read this book. I would classify most of the unknown words as circus jargon. Words such as menagerie, redlight, and spec were all new to me until I read Water for Elephants. I also didn’t know that another name for an elephant is a bull, I definitely learned a few interesting things!
This book was so unique I cannot think of another book that I have read that is like it at all. I loved the combination of interesting characters, intriguing drama, and an aspect of historical fiction. Taking place during the depression and prohibition era made it all the more exciting because that is a time in history that interests me. Reading about a circus, both the business aspect and the relationships, was so new and different for me; I don’t think anything else can compare. Although a book can never be as good as the movie, I am excited to see how they relate. I definitely recommend Water for Elephants for anyone who is interested in a book they won’t be able to put down.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Problems with Parking
Going to a school with 1800 other students definitely has its advantages. There are more class options, lunch choices, teachers, resources, and sports just to name a few. To go along with the numerous advantages are a few disadvantages. Things such as crowded hallways, larger classes, longer lunch lines, and less one-on-one focus. One of the lingering issues here at Kennedy High School is the problems with parking.
There are two main parking lots at Kennedy in which students are allowed to park in. They are easily named the north lot and the south lot. The north lot is application based and only for seniors. The south lot on the other hand is open to any junior or senior who registers for a sticker at the beginning of the school year. The issues aren't typically involved in the north lot, its when things get complicated down south.
There is no limit to how many south lot stickers can be registered per year. This is the first issue because then there are undoubtedly more registered cars than there are parking spots. There seems to be no good solution for this, which is unfortunate. My suggestion would be to have an exact number of stickers and register them on a first come first serve basis. This would not be able to work because so many students get to school by car. You can't just turn students away with no place to park their car.
The churches around Kennedy High School have great systems going on. Typically it is sophomores who pay a small fee to park there each year. Ninety percent of the time this works out extremely well. The other 10 percent isn't so good. When the churches need their lots for something such as a funeral those students are told to park somewhere else. Where? No other place than the south lot. This does not go over well with the juniors and seniors who then have no place to park because their spot is now taken.
Problems with the limited parking have been going on for years and will most likely continue for more to come. Another suggestion that would result in multiple benefits is coordinating a carpool! There is nothing wrong with catching a ride to class or practice with a few friends. Not only does this cut down on the amount of cars that need a parking spot, but it saves gas and helps the environment too!
There are two main parking lots at Kennedy in which students are allowed to park in. They are easily named the north lot and the south lot. The north lot is application based and only for seniors. The south lot on the other hand is open to any junior or senior who registers for a sticker at the beginning of the school year. The issues aren't typically involved in the north lot, its when things get complicated down south.
There is no limit to how many south lot stickers can be registered per year. This is the first issue because then there are undoubtedly more registered cars than there are parking spots. There seems to be no good solution for this, which is unfortunate. My suggestion would be to have an exact number of stickers and register them on a first come first serve basis. This would not be able to work because so many students get to school by car. You can't just turn students away with no place to park their car.
The churches around Kennedy High School have great systems going on. Typically it is sophomores who pay a small fee to park there each year. Ninety percent of the time this works out extremely well. The other 10 percent isn't so good. When the churches need their lots for something such as a funeral those students are told to park somewhere else. Where? No other place than the south lot. This does not go over well with the juniors and seniors who then have no place to park because their spot is now taken.
Problems with the limited parking have been going on for years and will most likely continue for more to come. Another suggestion that would result in multiple benefits is coordinating a carpool! There is nothing wrong with catching a ride to class or practice with a few friends. Not only does this cut down on the amount of cars that need a parking spot, but it saves gas and helps the environment too!
Twenty Days and Counting...
We have finally hit the mark!! Twenty more school days and its finally summer! For as little as twenty days may seem, it is most likely going to be some of the most stressful and jam packed twenty days of the whole school year. There is so much going on and so little time to do all of it. Lets start the list from the top (this list would probably relate best to an A or B student in their junior year)....
No matter what time of year it is there are always going to be tests and projects. But when the end of the trimester comes the number of those projects and tests tend to multiply. Not only do you have to review everything that you have learned from the whole trimester but in addition you must include everything from the entire year. This takes a lot of time, hard work, and motivation.
AP exams also decide to make an appearance within the final twenty days of school. Not only are you studying for finals and completing projects but your review for AP exams as well. Taking practice tests and attending review sessions can take up a lot of time. AP exams take place over two weeks and depending on how many your taking you are more than likely in and out of school for a few days. This does not help when trying to stay on top of things in all of your other classes. But boy, what the relief when those tests are complete!
Jobs, sports and other activities can really take their toll on students during this time. Tennis, track and golf are in full swing during the month of may. Graduation parties are here, there and everywhere as well. Free food, friends, and hanging out will always sound better than the studying that you more than likely should be doing on a Sunday afternoon.
Miscellaneous things add up and can totally make focusing on school work and AP tests nearly impossible. Events such as prom, senior night, graduation, and induction ceremonies easily take your mind off of school! These are great stress relievers but can't get in the way of finishing the year out strong!
What I am clearly getting at here is that the last few weeks of school is a really exciting time! There is a lot to look forward to but a lot of things that need to get done before the excitement can happen. I challenge everyone to stick their heads in their books as much as possible, stay determined, and make the best of their twenty days and counting!
No matter what time of year it is there are always going to be tests and projects. But when the end of the trimester comes the number of those projects and tests tend to multiply. Not only do you have to review everything that you have learned from the whole trimester but in addition you must include everything from the entire year. This takes a lot of time, hard work, and motivation.
AP exams also decide to make an appearance within the final twenty days of school. Not only are you studying for finals and completing projects but your review for AP exams as well. Taking practice tests and attending review sessions can take up a lot of time. AP exams take place over two weeks and depending on how many your taking you are more than likely in and out of school for a few days. This does not help when trying to stay on top of things in all of your other classes. But boy, what the relief when those tests are complete!
Jobs, sports and other activities can really take their toll on students during this time. Tennis, track and golf are in full swing during the month of may. Graduation parties are here, there and everywhere as well. Free food, friends, and hanging out will always sound better than the studying that you more than likely should be doing on a Sunday afternoon.
Miscellaneous things add up and can totally make focusing on school work and AP tests nearly impossible. Events such as prom, senior night, graduation, and induction ceremonies easily take your mind off of school! These are great stress relievers but can't get in the way of finishing the year out strong!
What I am clearly getting at here is that the last few weeks of school is a really exciting time! There is a lot to look forward to but a lot of things that need to get done before the excitement can happen. I challenge everyone to stick their heads in their books as much as possible, stay determined, and make the best of their twenty days and counting!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May Day!!
When the calendar rolls around to May first you should probably reconsider the typical day you think that you will be having. May first, or May Day as it has been titled, is a traditional spring holiday. Most people can probably go the entire day without knowing its a holiday unless you are lucky enough to receive a May Basket.
May Baskets are small baskets or bags filled with little goodies such as popcorn, candy, chocolate, or flowers. Traditionally these baskets are to be set on the doorstep of whom you are delivering too. The giver of the May Baskets is then supposed to ring the doorbell and run away. If you are really in tune to the May Day traditions, the receiver tries to catch the escaping giver. If caught, a kiss is exchanged, so watch out!
The interesting thing about May Day is that it is only celebrated from region to region. As far as I know it is only a Northern Hemisphere holiday, more specifically North American. I would not consider myself to be a May Day expert so if any of you out there would consider yourself knowledgeable in the May Day field, let me know!! Even within regions the celebrations can be sporadic. Having grown up in Cedar Rapids, I received a fair share of May Baskets. On the other hand I have many cousins from the Des Moines area who have never even heard of May Basket giving, how weird! Only two hours away, and May Day traditions vary quite differently.
Even if the whole traditional May Day celebration isn't your thing you can take advantage of the day and just make it a day to let your friends and family know you care about them. Make a few goodie bags, fill them up with popcorn and candy and surprise them! Something like this could make someone's day, who knows. Or if your feeling a little more adventurous gather up your May Baskets and deliver them at your friend's doorstep! Whatever it is that you choose to do come next May first, be spontaneous and most importantly have fun!
May Baskets are small baskets or bags filled with little goodies such as popcorn, candy, chocolate, or flowers. Traditionally these baskets are to be set on the doorstep of whom you are delivering too. The giver of the May Baskets is then supposed to ring the doorbell and run away. If you are really in tune to the May Day traditions, the receiver tries to catch the escaping giver. If caught, a kiss is exchanged, so watch out!
The interesting thing about May Day is that it is only celebrated from region to region. As far as I know it is only a Northern Hemisphere holiday, more specifically North American. I would not consider myself to be a May Day expert so if any of you out there would consider yourself knowledgeable in the May Day field, let me know!! Even within regions the celebrations can be sporadic. Having grown up in Cedar Rapids, I received a fair share of May Baskets. On the other hand I have many cousins from the Des Moines area who have never even heard of May Basket giving, how weird! Only two hours away, and May Day traditions vary quite differently.
Even if the whole traditional May Day celebration isn't your thing you can take advantage of the day and just make it a day to let your friends and family know you care about them. Make a few goodie bags, fill them up with popcorn and candy and surprise them! Something like this could make someone's day, who knows. Or if your feeling a little more adventurous gather up your May Baskets and deliver them at your friend's doorstep! Whatever it is that you choose to do come next May first, be spontaneous and most importantly have fun!
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